Justin Turner was part of two key defensive plays on Sunday, and both appeared as though they would loom large in the Los Angeles Dodgers completing a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
However, a Max Muncy error at second base allowed the Phillies to come away with a walk-off win in the bottom of the 10th. Two innings prior, Turner charged a chopper to third base and threw to Muncy, who made a strong turn for a double play that ended the eighth and kept the game tied.
But Turner’s best defensive moment came in the bottom of the 10th. Trea Turner made an ill-advised throw to first base after fielding a grounder to his right, and it allowed J.T. Realmuto — the automatic runner — to break for third.
Freddie Freeman threw high to Turner, and he faked as though the ball sailed over his head. Realmuto bought the Turner deke and quickly rose to his feet to run home. That allowed Turner to get the tag down on a play Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believed would lead to a win, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Just a heady play,” Roberts said. “(Turner) sold the wide throw really well. A good player in Realmuto but he got him. That was a big out. I thought that was going to be the difference in the game.”
Turner’s play left the Phillies with the tying run at first base in the form of Garrett Stubbs. Roman Quinn singled and took second base when Mookie Betts attempted to nail Stubbs at third. Evan Phillips induced a routine ground ball that took a high hop on Muncy and resulted in a two-run error.
The outcome was reminiscent of the Dodgers stunning the Phillies in walk-off fashion despite being down to their final out. Even with the loss, L.A. began their road trip by winning a series against an opponent that was not far removed from taking three of four at Dodger Stadium.
Justin Turner role change?
While Turner started at third base in the series finale, Roberts indicated he would be spending more time as the designated hitter in the Dodgers’ lineup. In turn, that is expected to lead to Muncy making regular starts at third base.
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